How do you keep from losing "What makes you, you" when climbing up the ranks?

2016-01-03T01:18:03-05:00

I've been in a little over 3 years now, but I have been extremely fortunate to be placed around some amazing people. I have also had the benefit of seeing two sides of the spectrum when it comes to good leadership and bad leadership. I'm Commander's Support Staff so I get to see a lot more than the average airman does when it comes to the background of decisions. The thing that plagues me to this day is losing "myself" as I climb the ranks. When I say this I'm talking about my personality and how I act. I understand our Core Values and embodying them, but I'm talking about future decisions and situations. I will never step over anyone to get ahead or backstab. I'm looking for some true insight in this. Have you changed throughout your career for better or for worse? Are you the same "you" with the same beliefs and principles that joined in the beginning? I hope this makes sense and I'm looking forward to some good commentary.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 1:48 AM

2016-01-03T01:48:03-05:00

I would say I climbed the ranks pretty fast ...
It's because I had a strong work ethic starting out. I never felt the need to backstab any of my peers to get to where I am. I'm molding myself for the next rank and it's changing me as a person for the better because I don't plan on staying for 20 years. It's changing me for better so that I can achieve my personal goals.

Response by SrA Matthew Knight made Jan 6 at 2016 3:53 AM

2016-01-06T03:53:26-05:00

"I will never step over anyone to get ahead or backstab."

That right there is the best mentality I think you can have. The Air Force needs more people in leadership with that thought process. Unfortunately that is not the ideal way to get promoted as you won't be quite on par with those who do. Regardless, if you are planning on making this a career then please stick with that mentality because if you do you will be the NCO that your airmen actually look up to.

To answer your questions, first I would say that I have changed personally for the worst simply because I have grown tired of all of the BS that exists within big blue so the amount that I care is diminishing. Not directly in my job but when it comes to what I see as useless additional duties, volunteering and anything else our NCOs push on us to pad our EPRs I just simply don't care anymore. At this point I show up to do the job my AFSC dictates I do and then when my shift is done I put the Air Force behind me until my next shift. As for my beliefs and principles, I have stayed basically the same as I was civilian side. No where near as motivated as when I joined initially but I think it's safe to say most people get burned out over time.